Unambiguous identification ofAncylostoma caninumandUncinaria stenocephalain Australian and New Zealand dogs from faecal samples

Abstract

Hookworms (Ancylostomatidae) are well‐known parasites in dogs due to their health impacts and zoonotic potential. While faecal analysis is the traditional method for detection, improvements in husbandry and deworming have decreased their prevalence in urban owned dogs. Drug resistance in Ancylostoma caninum is becoming a discussion point in small animal practices across the region. This study aimed to identify hookworm species present in Australian and New Zealand dogs using molecular techniques. The ITS‐2 and isotype‐1 β‐tubulin assays were used to identify and quantify hookworm species. Results showed absence of coinfection in Australian samples from Greater Sydney region belonging either to A. caninum or Uncinaria stenocephala, while New Zealand samples were a mixture of A. caninum and U. stenocephala. The amplified isotype‐1 β‐tubulin sequences exhibited susceptibility to benzimidazole drugs. Rare mutations were identified in A. caninum and U. stenocephala sequences, representing a small percentage of reads. This study highlights the importance of molecular techniques in accurately identifying and quantifying hookworm species in dog populations.

Gastrointestinal Helminths in Wild Felids in the Cerrado and Pantanal: Zoonotic Bioindicators in Important Brazilian Biomes

“…The primary mode of transmission is the oral–fecal route, which not only facilitates the spread of infection between hosts but also supports the occurrence of spillover and spillback events [ 37 ]. The detection of species such as A. braziliense and A. caninum in wild felids can possibly underscores their close interaction with human-altered landscapes that facilitates contacts of domestic and wild animals, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic activities on ecological health and parasite transmission dynamics [ 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”

Canine hookworms in the Philippines—Very common but very much neglected in veterinary research

“…Resistance to any anthelmintic among canine hookworms has yet to be reported in the country, at least in the peer-reviewed literature. However, multidrug-resistant hookworms have already been noted in the United States, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and Canada ( 19 – 23 ).…”

“…Moreover, specific gene mutations involved in resistance can be assessed, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms in the β -tubulin isotype 1 gene for benzimidazole resistance. SNPs reported among populations of A. caninum include those that occur at positions 134 (CAA/glutamine → CAT/histidine), 167 (TTC, TTT/phenylalanine → TAC, TAT/tyrosine), 198 (GAG, GAA/glutamic acid → GCG, GCA/alanine), and 200 (TTC/ phenylalanine → TAC/tyrosine or TTC/ phenylalanine → TTA/leucine) ( 23 , 30 – 32 ).…”